PAYBACK goes mobile: Launch of free app

Munich – PAYBACK is launching a new era of mobile points. As of 3 May 2010, consumers will have access to a new app that is the first of its kind in Europe. With this app, customers shopping in partner company stores across Germany will be able to use their iPhones to redeem valid, customer-specific coupons. For the first time, the new application will also give users the opportunity to collect points through regional promotions – when making restaurant reservations, for example. This system makes it easy for customers to collect even more points than ever before. “By introducing the PAYBACK App, we are once again the first bonus programme to offer our customers even more added value by entering the mobile environment,” says Burkhard Grassmann, Spokesman of the Payback Management Board.

The new app also makes it easy for customers to request updates on their points balance and find out the location of and quickest route to all partner stores. “This application offers enormous potential. According to a PAYBACK survey, 35 percent of our customers are likely to own a smartphone by the end of the year,” adds Grassmann. “That means we will be able to provide millions of customers with an extremely innovative service that's completely free. In addition, our partners are now able to offer event-based, local campaigns. For example, when the first snow falls in Munich, they could use the app to send special offers on winter tyres to customers in and around the city.”

The PAYBACK App enhances paper coupons and the online coupons available at www.payback.de by enabling users to save mobile vouchers with just a tap – up to tenfold points for purchases made or a 50 percent discount on products, for example. The points are automatically credited to the customer's account as soon as he shows his card at the cash desk in the usual way. There is no need to scan in or display the codes at the cash desk. The app is launching with coupons from ten major PAYBACK partners including Aral, dm-drogerie markt, Galeria Kaufhof and real. Others are due to follow soon.

Available as a free download in the Apple App Store, the PAYBACK App can also be used by new customers to register for the bonus scheme. It is due to be made available to other smartphones during 2010. The application was designed and implemented in cooperation with the multi-award winning company Aloqa, based in Munich and Palo Alto. Aloqa enables the PAYBACK App to offer services on a local level.